Ministry of Labour Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga has urged labour officers across the country to fully embrace technology in their daily operations to enhance efficiency, transparency, and timely service delivery in resolving labour-related cases.
Mr Luhanga said the Ministry has prioritised the use of e-services to transform how labour matters are handled, ensuring that workers and employers receive quicker and more effective responses.
Speaking when he officially opened the training on digital case resolution virtually, Mr Luhanga emphasised that the adoption of digital platforms is no longer optional but essential to achieving government’s goal of modernising public service delivery in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s digital transformation agenda.
“Through e-services, officers can now resolve complaints, conduct virtual hearings, and guide both employers and employees through online platforms, reducing delays and costs associated with manual processes,” he said.
Mr Luhanga said the Ministry has already introduced several digital platforms, including the Call Centre, the Citizens’ Support Portal, and the Zambia Employment Labour Market Information System (ZELMIS), which are all integrated on the Government Service Bus to provide real-time reporting and case tracking.
“These platforms are not just about convenience; they represent accountability and innovation in public service. This will also reduce the perception of corruption, so when you tell someone to pay through the system, they will not accuse you of corruption,” the Permanent Secretary said.
“Workers can report unfair treatment, unsafe conditions, or non-compliance directly and safely, while employers can seek guidance on compliance and dispute resolution.”
Mr Luhanga urged officers to embrace change management and view digital tools as enablers that simplify their work rather than replace it.
“As government, we have attached great importance to digital transformation across all sectors. So colleagues (Labour officers), you must adapt to this new way of working because efficiency, transparency, and service excellence are at the heart of our mandate. After this training, there will be consequential management for not resolving cases on time. So let’s take this matter seriously,” He said.
Mr Luhanga said by leveraging e-services, the Ministry will not only improve turnaround time in resolving disputes but also ensure that workers in even the most remote areas of Zambia can access justice and protection under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
“Our people deserve prompt service. Technology gives us the power to serve better, faster, and smarter. It will help people in those places and remote areas where we have no offices to reach us and access our services on time,” he said.
